HP Makes A Major Callback On Laptop Batteries Worldwide

HP, the computer manufacturing goliath has recently announced a major recall of their batteries due to the safety hazards that they might pose. The computers having the affected batteries include HP and Compaq computers namely HP ProBook, HP ENVY, Compaq Presario, and HP Pavilion sold worldwide. Adding further to the announcement, HP also stated that the batteries might have also been shipped as part of replacements for compatible customers. The time slot of the hazardous batteries ranges from March 2013 through August 2015. HP reported that these batteries have the potential to overheat, which poses a high risk of fire and burn hazards to the end customer. Due to this reason, the batteries are being recalled and replaced, no matter what their age and the consumer will have to bear no cost whatsoever for this replacement.

As stated above, there is a rather long list of laptop computers sold under the brand of HP/Compaq which might have the risky batteries shipped with them. To scroll through the full list of potentially affected laptops you can visit the Recall and Replacement Program main page which features a full list of the laptop product names along with the affected battery’s barcode numbers.

In case you suspect your laptop to be running on affected battery, HP recommends the downloading of HP Battery Program Validation Utility. The Windows-based program allows a quick evaluation and validation of your hardware (in less than 30 seconds) and notifies you whether you need to submit your battery for the recalling process. The utility requires Microsoft’s .net Framework (4.5) and HP’s Software Framework in order to work properly.

It is speculated that a very small percentage (less than 1%) of HP Computers sold during this flagged timeframe holds affected batteries which need to be exchanged.

HP has stated that the validated batteries which are suspected to be hazardous will be replaced with no cost to the end user. Further, it is advised that the hazardous batteries should not be used and if using the computer is required it should be plugged in directly via the external power source. In order to provide ease to those people who have multiple HP laptop products, a bulk validation can be acquired which will basically provide you with a speedy service. E-mail links to request for bulk replacement are present in the FAQ section. No matter what the case, replacement cannot be done through the local HP service partners.